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HIST 4083 3.0 - Changing Natures: Environmental and Social History in Costa Rica

In order to enroll in Las Nubes courses, you need to complete several requirements. Please review the Las Nubes Course Registration Information and fill out the Las Nubes Study Abroad 2026 Eligibility Form.

Please note that while this is an LA&PS course, it takes place at York’s Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica, and as such the program is organized by the Las Nubes team. Students interested in participating in this course will be subject to the Las Nubes application, payment, pre-departure, and in-country rules, deadlines, and procedures. Please visit the HIST 4083 page on the Las Nubes website for all relevant course and program information, and contact lasnubes@yorku.ca if you require more information. You should also attend one of the Las Nubes Info Sessions to learn more.

HIST 4083 brings together topics and methods from social and environmental history to immerse students in the field-based study of the history of ecological conservation in southern Costa Rica. Students will be exposed to diverse perspectives on the successes and trade-offs of environmental protections in the region and the effects of conservation policies on local farmers and communities.

For more information, students can connect with the Las Nubes team at lasnubes@yorku.ca.

Las Nubes Info Sessions

Date	Time	Location
September 25, 2025	10:00 a.m.	Zoom registration
October 20, 2025	10:00 a.m.	Zoom registration
November 13, 2025	1:30 p.m.	Zoom registration

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Prerequisites: None. Only open to students in 3rd year and above.

Location: Las Nubes EcoCampus, Santa Elena, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica

Course Dates:
June 7 – 16, 2026

Course Director:

Prof. Jennifer Bonnell, Associate Professor, Department of History (bonnellj@yorku.ca).

Enrolment: Min. 20 students, max. 25 students

Course Details

Lectures, guest speakers, hikes, visits to sites and communities, conversations with local stakeholders, and hands-on projects with local organizations.

Accommodations are a combination of homestays and hotels depending on the course. Local Costa Rican food will be provided taking into account dietary restrictions and/or preferences.

York University does not make flight or travel insurance arrangements for students. For each course, you will be given specific information as to when to arrive and where will you be picked up and dropped off. Any activities or plans made outside our course program are the student’s responsibility.

Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica. Refer to Costa Rica's Embassy in Canada for requirements for citizens of other countries. If you are travelling to Costa Rica via a third country, make sure to verify whether you need a 'transit visa' or not.

Program Costs

Cost		Details
Estimated Program Fee	$1,500	Included in program fee: all in-country transportation, room and board, as well as park entrance fees that are part of course programs. Accommodations include a mix of homestays with local families, lodges and hotels.
Additional Costs
Flights to/from San José, Costa Rica	$900	Estimate. Depends on departure location and date of purchase.
Guard.me Travel Insurance	$100	Estimate. Students are required to purchase Guard.me insurance.
Spending money	$400	Variable. All students should budget additional funds for meals, transportation, gifts, personal travel, etc.
York University Tuition (Domestic)	$724.59	Approximate based on Summer 2025 LA&PS tuition fees for 3.0 credits. Subject to change.
York University Tuition (International)	$3,723.84	Approximate based on Summer 2025 LA&PS tuition fees for 3.0 credits. Subject to change.
Approximate Total Program Costs (subject to change)
Domestic Students		$3,624.59
International Students		$6,623.84

Las Nubes Study Abroad Fund

Name	Description	Eligibility Criteria	Amount (CAD)	Application
Las Nubes EcoCampus
Las Nubes Study Abroad Fund (LNSAF)	This is a fee subsidy provided to students who participate in the courses offered by Las Nubes at the Las Nubes EcoCampus.	All York University students participating in the Las Nubes Study Abroad programs are eligible to receive the LNSAF. The amount of LNSAF funding is based on: 1. Financial need (students with financial needs will be given higher consideration) 2. Good academic standing (B+ or higher) 3. Number of courses registered for at Las Nubes 4. External funding or other awards applied for/received	There are two categories: Category 1: Full one-course subsidy ($1,500 each, 4 per year) Category 2: Offered to support students enrolled in one or more courses [$250 for 1 course; $500 for 2 courses), $750 for 3 courses; $1,000 for 4 courses; $1,250 for 5 courses]	N/A Keep your Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships application (FAAS App) updated